Angel, hurry up! You will be late for school!"

A teen-aged girl with long red curly hair bounces down the stairs. She smiles.

"Sorry Momma." She says as she heads for the door.

"You are always late for everything."

Angel smiles at her mother. She walks out the door and walks to the car with her brother. She smiles at him. He looks at her and groans, wondering where her happiness comes from. Since the day they were born she has been eternally cheerful. The only Calaway to be constantly happy. Uncle Mark and Uncle Glen think she is just wonderful always with her happiness. Always so spoiled by Momma. "Adam why so glum?" She asks.

"Nothing, why are you always so damned happy? Are you even a Calaway?" He grumbles.

"You for being twins we are nothing alike...do you even like me?"

"You are my sister, why wouldn't I?"

"Cause you are always so mean to me." She whines.


Adam sits in silence as he fumes at his sister. A few minutes later, their cousins get into the limo. One set of twins belonging to Kane and Lita and the other set belonging to Taker and Jessie. "Hey Tiffany and Tabitha." Angel greets. Tiffany being Mark's daughter and Tabitha being Kane's. Jameson and Vince shake their heads as they look over at their cousin Adam. "He is always in such a bad mood.

They ride to school, the girls all converse with themselves as the best friends that they are. The boys they all make funof the girls all except for Adam. He just stares out the window as they drive.


Chapter 2

The phone rings breakign the morning silence. Raven answers.

"Hello."

"Mrs. Copeland?"

"Yes."

"This is Mr. Jones from Knoxville High School." He replies.

"What has Adam done this time?" She groans.

"he has gotten into another fight. Now i don't have to remind you that this was his last chance. I am afraid i can't allow him to remain at this school. With his size he is gonna permantly injure a student."

"I am sorry, Mr. Jones. I will be there to pick him up."

"I am sorry to also inform you he has already been picked up by the police. He was arrested. The boy's parents pressed charges. There was nothing I could do."

"Adam is 15 years old...he can't just go to jail with serial killers, rapists and drug dealers. he just got into a fight." Raven replies.

"Well, Mrs. Copeland Adam is 7 feet tall and he out weighs every student here. he is a danger and unless you get him under control he will be in prison eventually." He snidely replies.

"You have no idea who you are dealing with!" Raven yells as she slams the phone down.

"Adam your son got into another fight! I have to go pick him up."

"My son? Why is he always my son when he uses that rotten temper of his? Adam replies.

"This isn't a joke, he can't go back to school! He's been expelled permanetly. The other kids parents pressed charges...he is in jail." Raven replies sobbing.

Adam comes and hugs her.

"Everythign will be fine."

"How can you say that? My little boy is in jail!" She sobs.

"He isn't a little boy any longer. He is as big as his uncles and just as strong as them. It is that temper we need to worry about. Come on lets go pick him up." Adam says

They drive to the police station, Adam jr has just been booked but not put into a cell yet. Raven goes up to him and pulls his ear. He winces in pain as he turns around. She slaps him square across the cheek. He holds the spot that is now turning red. Adam sr pulls her off the boy. He looks at his son and shakes his head in disappointment.


"How could you do this?" He asks his son.

Junior just looks at his father and lowers his head. " I am sorry Dad." He quietly mutters.

An officer walks over to Raven and Adam. he takes them to the side. "The other boys parents will drop the charges if Adam is taken out of the school and never goes near their son again."

"That will be fine, since he has been permantley expelled from school." raven replies.

"Was the other boy hurt?" Sr. asks.

"yeah he suffered a broken arm and a broken jaw." the officer replies.

Raven walks over to JR. "Why do you keep doing these things?"

"He was messing with Angel! I was protecting her." He replies.

"Did he do something to Angel?"

"Yes, he was touching her, and he tried to kiss her."

"Did Angel seem to not want him to do that?"

"No, she was laughing and flirting with him. Momma she is 15 she doesn't need to be kissing boys!"

"Well, she likes boys now, she is gonna grow up whether we want her to or not. You can't go around knocking the crap outta every boy she kisses!" His father replies.

"Can we take him home now?" Raven asks the officer.

"Yeah, just sign these papers for his release. And young Mr. Copeland I don't want to see you here again." The officer replies.



Chapter 3


The ride home was in silence. They pull into the driveway as the limo gets there will the other 5 kids. Angel comes runnign out first, she sees her twin brother and comes at him. She pulls back her hand and slaps him.


"How could you embarass me like that? now i will never get a date...not with my crazy brother beating everyone up!" She screams at him as she storms into the house.

"I am worried about him." Raven comments as she follows her husband and son into the house. Adam is met by his uncles. "So you wanna fight huh? How about you pick on someone your own size. Follow us, now!" Taker says. Adam timidly follows them to the basement.

"They frighten me sometimes." Raven says.

***A few hours later***

Adam emerges from the basement limping, and bloody. he collapses onto the living room floor. Raven runs to him. She covers him and sobs hysterically. "What did they do to you?"

"Don't be mad at them Momma. I deserved it." He replies exhausted.

"Come on get up. Let's get you cleaned up, then I will have a talk with my brothers."

Adam obeys her, as she helps him up the stairs and into the bathroom. She pulls out a first aid kit. Angel walks by, Adam sees her. She gasps in horror as she sees his face, that has already started to swell. "Angel i am sorry. I thought I was protecting you." he says. "Are you gonan be alright?" She asks. "yeah i will be fine."

Angel runs down the stairs and finds her uncles. "How could you just beat him up like that?" She yells. "he deserved it!" They reply in unison. "Whether he deserved it or not, he is not your child! You had no right to do that to him!" She screams through tears. "But, Darlin' he didn't have no right to beat up that boy either." Taker replies. "That si for my mother and father to decide not you! Why don't you guys just butt put always walking around here tellin us what to do, you act as if my Momma is stupid! She isn't poor little Raven no more...my Momma is so much more, she is so much better than you two!" Angel screams storming off.





Chapter 4

Raven comes down the stairs followed by her son. She storms into the kitchen, she grabs her smokes and walks to the glass door. She opens it and turns before walking out. "Either one of you ever lay a hand on one of my kids again and i will see to it that you are pissing from a tube!" She says then walks outside and lights her smoke.

"Wow, it has been ages since she spoke like that." Kane says tilting his head.

They both look over at Adam who sits at the table. His face is swollen and red. Both his eyes are blackened, his jaw bruised, busted lip. "Kane, I think we went to far. Look at Adam. No wonder she is so pissed." Taker says.

Adam looks up, "No she is pissed that you guys beat the crap outta me for fighting at school. Its a big difference when you getting beaten up by ex- wrestlers especially those of your legend status. I beat up a kid, you gusy are grown men and you beat up a kid. Are you proud of yourselves now?" He replies.

"Damn, that kid is just like his mother."

"Who you kidding Kane, both of them kids are exactly like their mother."

Raven walks in and grabs Adam by the arm. "Come on son, I don't want you near them alone." She pulls him into the living room and motions for him to sit down. "Stay here." She commands. "Momma I am not a little kid no more. Please don't treat me like one." He pleads.

She walks back into the kitchen, she walks upto both of her brothers pulling back her fist she punches both of them in the head. "Don't ever do that again! That is my child I expect you to treat him with the same respect as you treat your own kids. I have never struck one of your children have I? I could have the both of you thrown in jail for child abuse. He is 15 years old...what in the hell were you guys thinking?" She yells. They hold their heads down in shame. they know she is right, and they know better than to cross their sister. Now get the hell outta my way so I can make dinner." "Can we talk to him?" Kane asks. "Yeah but you hurt him and its your manhood."



Chapter 5

Taker and Kane walk into the living room where Adam is sitting. Taker sitas on one side of him and kane on the other. Adam kinda cowers at their presence. Taker looks at him and notices hsi fear. he feels like shit as he hangs his head. "Adam, when you anr your sister and cousins were bron we all made a promise to each other that we would all live in this house and take care of each other. Me and your uncle retired alogn with your aunt and father. We all decided that to raise you kids right we would all be here and keep our family close. Adam, I never dreamed I would ever have harmed any of you. it was our way of teaching you not to fight all the time." Kane says.

"Uncle Kane I am not mad at you or Uncle Taker...but I have to admit I am a little afraid of you now. And I thought I would never feel that way. But I felt I was protecting Angel. When I saw that guy kissing her I was pissed all I wanted was to get him away from her." Adam replies.

"Angel has a mind of her own and she is 15, she is gonna date and she is gonna kiss boys whether we like it or not. And If that were us at that age and that was Raven I think we would have done the same thing." Taker replies.

"She was grown and I think you damn near broke Adam's back...remember that?"

"Yeah, that was after he had back surgery, at Wrestlemania. We had just reconciled and they broke up. Damn Raven went berzerk when she saw me holding by his throat against the wall."

"You did that to my dad?"

"Yeah, they did. I was wrong and beleive me it took a lot to get her back...I had to go through the two of them. But it was worth it."

"Dad, you never told me that. I htought you guys were like best friends."

"We are but then it was a different story. They were very protective of your mother."

Adam looks at his son and shakes his head. "Guys I think this went too far. I realize that the Calaway blood runs thick in all of these kids but lets keep our tempers in check."

"That is really why we came in here. Adam, we wanted to apologoze to you. We shouldn't have done this. It was our plan to get you in the ring and you were to take out this new found rage out on us, but you wouldn't fight us."

"Of course not, I didn't out of respect. You are my uncles and my Momma always taught me respect. You are forgiven."

"Dinner is done." Raven call from the kitchen. The girls are setting the table as they walk in to a feast.



Chapter 6

Some weeks later, Angel is in her bathroom putting on make up and fixing her hair. She bounces down the steps as there is a knock on the door. She opens the door and greets a teen-aged boy. "Come in Tony."

Tony, a dark haired dark-eyed tall but muscular boy walks in the door. "Come in here my family wants to meet you first." She says. He follows her in the living room and sits down. First Raven walks in. Tony looks at her then at Angel. He stands and offers his hand. Raven shakes his hand as he introduces himself. "I am Tony Cantrell." He announces. "And I am Raven, Angel's mother. These are my brothers Mark and Kane Calaway, and my husband, Angel's father Adam." She replies. Tony looks at everyone in the room. "Angel, you didn't tell me exactly who you are related to did you?" He says nervously. "I didn't think you would know who they were since they retired 15 years ago." "My mother was a huge fan of them. I have seen old videos all my life and heard about them forever." Tony says.

Mark and Kane look down at the boy and grin. "So I trust that our reputation precedes us." Mark says.

"Yeah, it does." He says.

Adam jr walks into the room and sees Tony then walks back out in a hurry. "I wonder what is wrong with him?" His father asks.

"I am sorry, Mr. Copeland but I am the kid he beat up a few weeks ago." Tony states.

"Oh I see." raven replies going after her son.

"I'm sorry I never wanted any of this, Adam is a nice guy till you mess with his sister or cousins. It is common knowledge. I never wanted him to leave scholl and get into so much trouble. It was my father's idea."

"Don't worry about it. You just have our Angel back by 12 and all will be fine." Kane says.

"I will have her back on time, it was nice to meet you." Tony replies as he escorts Angel to the door.

***Raven and Adam***

"Why did you run from the room?"

"Because I didn't want to spoil things for Angel. I am sure Tony hates me now."

"I know you are just trying to be a good brother, but sometimes you just have to swallow your pride and apologize." She replies.

"I know, Momma. But, I can't be around him remember the restraining order."

"yeah I remember."



Chapter 7

***Later that night***

Adam hears a car door and then the car drive off. He gets up and opens the door. Angel stands there about to turn the handle as the the door opens. "Daddy you scared me." She says. "I am sorry baby. I just wanted to make sure that you were home before your cerfew and you were alright." He replies. "Daddy I am home before midnight, I am actually surprised my uncles weren't on the porch with their wrestling outfits on waiting for me." She replies laughing.

She wanders up the stairs and finds her mother. "So how was your date?" Raven asks as she brushes Angel's long hair. "It was nice we went to a movie and had something to eat." "I think he is a nice boy." Raven says smiling. "He is. Was Adam upset?" She asks. "No, he wasn't he was just trying ot stay out of your way." Angel sighs out of frustration. "I don't understand Adam anymore. It's like he hate sme now. He never wants to hang out no more, Momma he don't talk to me no more. He doesn't talk to anyone, not even the cousins." "Oh he is just going through a phase, he is all confused, did you think he would want to hang out with his sister forever?" Raven replies. "But you and uncle kane did and you two are twins." "Oh sweetie, if things had been different I don't think we would all live together. Me and Kane didn't grow up together." She replies. "I know uncle taker tried to burn you guys and that evil guy took uncle Kane and abused him. Sometimes I get so mad at uncle taker, sometimes he scares me." "Don't ever fear him, Angel. He would protect you with his last breathe. he is a good man and he loves his family." Raven replies. "Momma what do i do about Adam?" She asks. "Just give him some time. I am sure he is just going through a phase...I hope thats all it is." Raven replies as if reliving an old memory. "What do you mean?" Angel asks confused. "Oh nothing, nevermind. Good night Angel."

"Good Night Momma." She replies hugging her.



Chapter 8

The next morning Angel is sitting at the breakfast table with her cousins, Tabitha and Tiffany they talk about common girl things boys, clothes, music. Their mothers smile as they continue making breakfast.

"You ever wonder what our shopping bill is?" Lita jokes.

"Yeah we must spend a fortune an just food around here." Jessie replies.

"It's the guys faults. Look at us, we aren't huge like them. Our sons are huge and they eat everything in sight.

Jameson, Adam, and Vince walk into the room and sit down. They look at their sisters and cousins and shake theor heads.

"Is breakfast done, mom?" Jameson asks.

"We are cooking as fast as we can." Lita replies smiling.

"So I expect that your date was a perfect gentleman, Angel?" Adam asks.

"yes, he was. Why were you gonna beat him up again or something? You know Adam you can't go through life telling me how to live my life! Maybe if you would get a girlfriend you would have a life and not worry about mine so much!" She angrily replies.

"Maybe, he doesn't like girls." Tiffany says.

"Shut up!" Adam yells.

"Hey, boy why are you yellign at my daughter?" Taker asks sternly.

"Because she called me a fag!" He yells back.

"Raven, you need to get his temper in check. Tiffany, be nice to your cousin. Remember respect people and they will respect you." He replies.

"Mark, leave the kids alone. They are just bickering is all. Thats what kids do."

"Yes, dear. But i wish they all could get along."

"Oh dear brother...like how we all get along?"

"We get along great. Why can't they be as close?" Taker replies.

"Because they are not us." Kane interupts.

Daddy, can us girls ride the horses today?" Tabitha asks.

"Yes, but be careful. Why don't you take the boys with you?"
Kane replies.

"But, we just wanted it to be us girls." She answers.

"Oh let them have their fun." Lita says.

"Alright have fun." He says smiling at his daughter.

Breakfast is finally done as Lita, Jessie, and raven put it on the table. They stand back real fast and watch the men in the family devour everything in sight.

"Pigs, thats what we married...look at them go." Jessie says laughing.

"Yeah and look at their sons." Raven replies.

"I was afraid of losing my arm. But them girls aint no better." Lita says.


Chapter 9

After weeks of looking Raven finally finds a school that will accept Adam. She makes the arrangments in the schools office, as she is signing some papers.

"Copeland? Any relation to..." The principal asks.

"Yes, he is my husband." She replies cutting him off.

"Raven Copeland? Not the same Raven from WWE 15 years ago?"

"Yes, one in the same."

"Wow, I was a big fan of your brothers and then you. What happened to you guys. You and Lita just disappeared and then Edge, Taker, and Kane vanished."

"Yeah, well I was pregnant with Adam then. Speaking of Adam can we let this stay between us? He has attendacy to get into fights especially with his size. I don't want this to interfere any longer with his education."

"I understand completly. have you thought to encourage him to join sports?"

"He has never showed an interest in it. I am one to let my children decide their own fate and futures." She replies.

"Well, it can be a good way to vent and expell some energy."

"I will leave that desicion up to Adam."

"Very well, Mrs. Copeland. He can start at any time."

"Thank you." She replies as she shakes his hand.

A week later Adam rides to school.

"I hope this works out better than the last school." Adam says.

"Me to, son. Maybe you should get more involved in school, you might enjoy it."

"I might. Let's just see how this will go. you know how well I make friends."

"I am sure you will be fine. Just think it's a new place they don't you, they don't know who your family was. Your sister isn't here and the best thing nobody knows you, you can be anyone you want right now."

"I am exactly what I want to be...Adam Copeland Jr. That's who. I am proud of my father and uncles, you and my auntie Lita."

Raven smiles as she thinks back.

"What is wrong Momma?"

"Nothing, i was just remembering is all."

"Do you miss wrestling?"

"Yes, it was truly the fist place I remember a happy time as an adult. it is where I taught the world what blood ties can really do. I am proud of my family so very proud." She says.

"I am gonna make a change, Momma. I want you to be proud of me for once." he replies.

"I am proud of you. I can't believe that you think I am not proud of you."

"Because you always talk about Angel, you spend a lot of time with her. When she had her first date you went into her room that night, I heard you guys talking."

"Adam we have our bond too. I am excited for Angel, she is having the childhood I never did. I am very proud of you."

They pull up to the school Adam gets out of the car and looks his mothers way.

"I will be back after school."

"Bye Momma." He says walking away.

Chapter 10

A few weeks later Adam is excelling in school and all seems happy in the Calaway/Copeland household. Angel is dating Tony and is well liked by everyone. Even him and Adam have become friends. All seems happy and content until one day...

"What is wrong, Angel?" Tabitha asks when she finds her cousin and best friend crying in her room.

"Oh Tabitha i don't know what to do. I am late." She sobs.

"What do you mean late?"

"I think I might be pregnant. If I am, everyoen will be mad. My mother and father will hate, my beloved uncles will think badly of me."

"Are you and Tony...you know?" She asks.

"Yes, but just once. It was the first time." She sobs.

"You should talk to your mother. And take a test."

"I am afraid to, she will be very mad and you know Momma's temper."

Tiffany walks into the room, she looks over at the other girls. "What is going on?" She asks.

"Angel thinks she might be pregnant." Tabitha replies.

"Be happy you don't have my father. If that happened to me he would kill me."

"Thanks, Tif. That really helps." Tabitha replies coldly.

"I better go talk to my mother." Angel says getting up.

"you want me to come with you?" Tabitha asks.

"No, I better do this myself."

Angel walks down stairs to find her mother, but raven is talking with her brothers.

"Momma, can I talk to you?" Angel asks nervously.

"Sure, whats up?"

"No, I mean without them." She replies pointing to her uncles.

"Sure, let's go."

Taker and Kane look at Angel strangely. "I wonder what is up with her." Taker comments.

All of the sudden they hear yelling and then crying.

"You are what! How could you do this!"

"I am sorry Momma." Angel hysterically sobs.

The men walk into the living room and find Angel crying and Raven pacing the room, obviously very pissed off.


Chapter 11

"Raven, what is wrong?" Kane asks.

She ignores her twin and continues pacing. He grabs her about the shoulders, she turns and clocks him in the head. He is knocked back and falls onto the couch with a thud. "Damn it Raven! I thought we were past this." He growls at her. She looks down at him. "Well that is what you get, you know better than to touch me when I am pissed." She grunts. "Are you gonna tell me why you were screaming at your daughter?" He asks tilting his head. "No, i am not gonna discuss it with you or anyone else right now." She says storming off to the stairs. "Angel! Angel get down here, NOW!" She screams.

Angel comes to the top of the stairs, she sees the look on her mother's face and her stomach begins to turn a bit, out of nervousness. She hurries down the stairs to face her mother. "Get in the car, now!" Angel obeys as Raven follows her to the car. They drive in silence. "I have never seen her this mad before." Angel thinks to her self.

Raven stops the car and looks down. "Get out of the car." Angel obeys and follows her mother into a small clinic. They walk in, "Go sit over there, and wait for me." Angel obeys her mother. She sits down and realizes that she has disappointed her mother horribly. Wondering if her father knows.

"My daughter needs a pregnancy test." Raven demands. "Fill out these forms and return them, she will be seen as soon as possible." A receptionist replies. Raven walks over to the waiting area and sits down next to Angel and fills out the forms. She returns them to the counter and Angel is called. She gets up and looks at her mother. "Will you come with me, Momma?" She asks timidly. Raven gets up and follows in silence. They walk through a door and come to a short hallway, with a few small rooms. "In here." A nurse motioning for the room on the left. Angel walks in along with her mother. The nurse follows in behind them and closes the door. Angel sits on the exam table. The nurse takes her vital signs. "Everything seems normal there." "Can we just get the test done?" Angel asks, tears falling down her cheeks. The nurse hands her a plastic cup and instrusts her to take it into the bathroom. Moments later she returns with the cup containing urine. "I will be back in a few moinutes with the results." The nurse says leaving.

"Momma, I am so sorry. If i am pregnant I don't know what to do. I am so ashamed of myself, i know you are mad at me and you probably hate me now." Angel sobs.

"I don't hate you. What would make you think that?"

"The way you are acting. I know I disgust you now."

The nurse walks back into the room. She writes something down in Angel's paperwork. "Your test was negative you are not pregnant. "Oh thank god!" Angel blurts out. "You might want to speak to your parents about birthcontrol if you are gonna continue to have sex."

"Yes, put her on the pill." Raven says.

"Very well, the nurse hands Angel a six month supply of birth control pills and explains how to use them properly. her and raven leave the clinic.

Raven pulls into the driveway and Angel opens the door and gets out of the car and runs up the steps of their huge house. She slams the door and stomps up the stairs to her room, slaming that door as well. Both Taker and Kane watch her, wondering what happened. They watch Raven walk in toss her keys on a near by table. The look on her face tells them that they shouldn't talk to her quite yet. They exchange a look and then walk up the stairs to Angel's room. Kane knocks softly on the door, when he hears nothing but crying he decides to walk in, followed by Taker. They sit down on the side of her bed.

"Angel, what is wrong?" Kane asks.

"Nothing, go away." She cries.

"Now, darlin' somethin' has got to be wrong if yer cryin'? Taker drawls.

"Just leave me alone, I don't want to talk about it."

"You know there isn't anything you can't tell us. Come we are your favorite uncles." Kane replies.

"Your my only uncles...of course your my favorites. Now, please just go away." She pleads once more.

"Alright, if you don't wanna talk." Taker says getting up and grabbing Kane by the arm. They both get up and leave the room, shutting the door behind them.

"I wonder what happened during that car ride?" Taker asks.

"I don't know, maybe Raven knows."

"Well, I like being in one peice so I am not gonna ask her. Your twin has a nasty temper and even shorter patience." Taker says with a smirk.

"My twin? Now she's my twin. Yesterday she was your baby sister. Why do I always get lumped with her when she is acting crazy?"

"Funny how you chose the word...crazy. See she is your twin...she get's the crazy part from you." He says smiling.

They turn to see Raven standing there glaring at them. Her green eyes almost boring a hole in them. "Talking about me? I am not crazy either." She says clocking Taker in the face. Kane grins when he steps back a bit. "Yep, you are right she's my twin." He says starting to laugh. He stops when Raven pulls back her fist and clocks him also. "There now you both have something to talk about." She says and then walks away.

Walking outside, she lights a cigarette and then sets it down in an ashtray. Opening the door again she walsk into the kitchen, opens the fridge and takes out an ice cold coke. Popping the top she takes a big drink from it and then goes back out and enjoys her cigarette. Sitting there she looks out into the expansive pastures and watches her prize horse, a solid black percheron stallion lazily munching the grass as he swishes his tail smacking a fly. She grinds out the smoke and goes back inside finding Adam.

"What is wrong, baby?" He asks sensing she is upset about something.

"Nothing, just a situation with your daughter."

"Oh, now she's my daughter? What has she done?" He asks flippping his long wavy blonde locks from his face.

"I don't want dumb and dumber to hear so come on." She replies opening the door.

Adam follows her outside, and expalins what happened earlier in the day. His face becomes ashen then anger hits him.

"She what? She is too young for that!" He yells.

"The test was negative." She says trying to quiet him down.

"I don't care! She is 15 years old...she can't be doing that yet! What about your brothers? Do they know?"

"No, they don't and I wanna keep it that way. They don't need to know, and she probably doesn't want them to know."

"Raven, we can't start keepin' secrets."

"It isn't any of their business. They got kids of their own and I don't interfere in how they are raised. They are already over protective enough, besides it is up to her if she wants them to know." She replies quietly.

"I am gonna go talk to her." Adam says opening the door, Raven grabs his arm. "Just talk, no yelling. She already feels bad enough." She says more of a request than a demand.

Adam takes the stairs by 2's finally getting to his daughter's room, he knocks on the door then walks inside not giving a chance to not allow him inside.

He finds her laying on her bed, tears staining her face she just lays there and sniffles. She sits up and throws her arms around him and begins to cry all over again. "I am sorry, Daddy. I am so stupid." She cries. He gently rubs her back not knowing really what to do. "It's alright, sweetie." He says trying to reassure her. "Does Momma still hate me?" She asks. Adam exhales deeply, "No, she doesn't hate you. Where would you get an idea like that?" He asks.

Angel lifts her head and pulls from her father's embrace. She wipes her eyes, "I saw the look on her face. She looked like Uncle Taker when he's mad. Daddy I was scared, for the first tiem in my life I was afraid of what she might do." She admits.

"Your mother would never hate you. She loves you very much. She would never do anything to hurt you or your brother. She was just upset and scared herself. You are 15 years old and hav no business having a baby yourself."

"I am not pregant, Daddy." She replies.

"Good, and you should have never thought you were to begin with. Wanna tell me what happened?" He says his brown eyes softening.

"It was one time...that was all. I knew it was a mistake afterwards, and now I have paid for it. Just don't tell my uncles, poor Tony will be ripped from limb to limb."

"That is up to you to tell them." He replies hugging Angel once more then leaves the room.

He finds Tiffany, talking to her father.

"Yes, Daddy that is what she told me just this morning." She says begining to fear his expression. "Daddy don't say nothing to her please." She whines.

"Tabby, why is Angel so upset?" Kane asks of his daughter.

"I don't know, Daddy." She lies.

He watches her closely, his mismatches hazel eyes scanning her face. "Daddy, stop staring at me like that."

"Then stop lying to me?" He demands.

"Alright, she thought she was pregnant." She replies quietly feeling ashamed that she told the secret. "Daddy, she didn't want you to know, she was ashamed.

Kane walks up th stairs and is met by his brother. "Tiffy told me what was wrong with Angel." Taker says through clenches teeth. "After some prodding Tabby told me what was wrong too.

"Why don't we let Raven and Adam deal with this, she is their kid and all." Kane says.

"Maybe you are right, but I can't believe this happened to our sweet innocent Angel."

"I know me either." Kane replies.

Raven busies herself making dinner, she turns to Tiffany who has been helping her. "Wanna go tell everyone dinner almost ready. And send Adam in to set the table." Raven says. "Sure, Auntie." Tiffany replies. She wanders to the living room and finds her father and uncles watching old wrestling tapes. "Auntie Raven says that dinner is almost done. Where is Adam?" She asks while her eyes are glued to the tv. Her father and Kane watch her and then smile as they look at each other. "He's in the game room, doing his usual." Taker replies still quite amuzed at hr interest in wrestling. "Daddy is that you?" She asks. "Yeah, darlin' that's me." He replies. "And isn't that you uncle Adam?" Adam grins, "Yes, that is me." He replies as she sits down with them. "Why is Daddy beating you up?" Adam looks at her, "I didn't hurt him, darlin'" Taker says. "Like hell. It may have been 15 years ago but I remember what a deadman ass beatin' felt like." Adam says almost laughing.

Raven walks into the living room, "Tiffy, aint you gonna get Adam to set the table." She says. "I am sorry, Auntie Raven. I will get him now." She replies heading for the game room to find her cousins and brother.

Raven walks in to se what hadher neice distracted. She rolls her eyes, "Her mother will never forgive you. Don't encourage it." She says, smacking her brothers both in the head.

"I can handle my wife, thank you very much." Taker replies holding his head, almost feeling for a lump.

"Is that so, big man." Jessie says from the door way. "I go shopping for 2 hours and he is already talking shit about me." She continues. Raven starts laughing as she watches her older brother...the strongest and bravest man she knows back pedalling from a 5'7" 130 pound woman. "I am sorry, hun. I didn't mean it like that." He says flashing her a smile, his green eyes almost twinkling. "You will pay for that later." She says walking past him.

"Well, we know what Taker aint gettin' tonight." Adam says.

Raven laughs, "Now guess what you aint getting tonight." She says.

"Looks like I am the one one the get luckly tonight." Kane gloats.

"How's that gonna happen? You are his brother, I am sure you will screw up some how and piss off Lita." Raven replies, as smiles taking great joy in tormenting her siblings especially Kane. Jameson, Vince, Tabitha, Tiffany and Adam all walk into the living room.

"You wanted me, mom?"

"Go and set the table for dinner, I am gonna go check on your sister." She says walking towards the stairs.

Adam walks into the kitchen, he finds everything he needs and begins to set the table.

Raven walks into Angel's room, she doesn't see her at first. Seeing the light under the bathroom door. She knocks softly, Angel you alright?" She asks. "Yeah, Momma just a minute." She says her voice sounding stressed, then Raven hears the sounds of drawers shutting. Angel pulls down her pant legs of her jeans quickly and opens the door.

Raven looks at her suddenly worried at her daughters flushed face and heavy breathing. "What were you doing in there?" Raven asks, her own heart racing as her mind goes crazy at what her daughter woulkd feel she had to hide. "Oh nothing, momma. Just washing my face." She replies. "Dinner is just about done. I want you down there, you haven't left your room all day." She says and then walks out of the room.

Angel waits until her mother has left her bedroom and pulls up her pant leg to look at the damage. The new cut she made has stopped bleeding, she tapes a peice of guaze to it and leaves the room already feeling better about earlier in the day.

She bounces dwon the stairs, and greets her father. "Ready for dinner, sweetie?" he asks. "Yes, daddy. I am starved." She replies walking into the kitchen.

"Darlin' aint ya hot? What's with the long sleeves?"

"I was a little chilly, is all. I didn't realise it was a felony." Angel replies.

"Don't take that tone with your uncle." Raven says sternly.

Angel just sits there pushing her food around her plate not really wanting to eat it. "I don't know why he is grilling me about my clothes." She snaps.

"Angel Catherine Copeland! You will not speak to the adults in this house in that manner!" Raven growls.

"Oh shut up, momma! I am so sick of all your rules and demands. You never talk to Adam like that. Oh that's right he is your favorite. Atleast I don't go around beating people up...and getting arrested." She shouts before throwing down her fork and storming off to her room.

Angel gets to her room and walks inside slamming the door, rattling it on it's hinges. She runs into her bathroom and pulls up her sleeve and examines her fresh cuts on her arm. Tears streak her face as she opens a drawer and picks up a razor blade and presses it to a new spot on her arm. She easily slices through the skin making a new cut. She watches her blood drip into the sink, she exhales and wipes her eyes.

Angel looks up and sees Kane's reflection in the mirror. Her eyes gets as big as saucers, then they water tears escaping them as she sees the hurt and disappointed look on her favorite uncle's face.

"What are you doing?" He asks.

"Nothing, I just hurt myself is all." She replies. He walks into the bathroom and investigates. He sees the blood in the sink, the open drawer containing more blades, bandages, and peroxide. "Why are you doing this? " He asks. "I am not doing anything. I cut myself on accident." She says pulling down her sleeve. "I would like my privacy, don't you have children of your own to deal with?" She says coldly. Kane shakes his head, "You are my neice and I love you as much as I do my own children. I want to know why you are hurting yourself?" He demands one more time. "Get out of my room!" She screams trying to walk past him. "Move your giant ass! Why does my family have to be all fucking giants!" She yells tears streaming down her face. Kane just stands there and looks at her, his tempr beginning to rise at the lack of respect this child has shown him. In a fit of rage, Angel balls up her fists and tries punching her 7 foot tall uncle. He just flips his hair and grabs her by the wrists. She winces in pain, Kane pulls up her sleeves to reveal scabs and faint scars covering her arms. "Angel, sweetie what have you done to yourself?" He asks pain evident in his voice. "I have to tell your mother about this." He says finally turning to leave. Angel grabs him by the arm, "No, Uncle Kane. Please don't tell Momma. She hates me enough as it is. I can't take her looks of hate and mistrust any more." She wails. Kane turns to face her, "I am sorry, but I have to tell her. She needs to know." He replies. "Please...I promise I won't do it anymore. Please don't tell her, or anyone else." She pleads. "You promise?" He asks hopeful, scanning her face for a sign of dishonesty. "Yes, Uncle Kane I promise." She replies, her voice still shaky from crying.

"Alright, but if I evr even suspect that you are doing this again I will tell everyone in this house. Are we clear?"

"Yes, Uncle Kane." She replies.

As soon as he leaves, Angel shuts her door and locks it. "Gullable fool." She says as she walks over to her closet and opens the door. She reaches up onto a shelf and pulls out a bottle of Tequila. Opening hte bottle she takes a big drink, then puts the cap back on and puts it back into her hiding place. "Thank you, Uncle Mark." She says almost smiling.

Suddenly there is a loud knock on her door, her heart jumps into her throat at the sudden noise. She walsk over and opens the door, she is greeted by her mother. Raven grets her only daughter with a slap to the face. "Don't you ever talk to me like that again, don't you ever talk to anyoen in this house like that again." She calmly says as her daughter just looks at her holding the raised red spot on her face. Angel's eyes narrow as she looks at her mother. "Now you are abusing me? I bet you would never do that to your precious Adam. Your perfect little boy, he's unhappy Momma...don't you see it? What do you care, you don't care about anything but your precious baby boy and your pathetic twin that you saved. Maybe if I caught myself on fire I would get some attention too. I hate you! I hate this house! I hate everyone here, maybe I will do my Mark Calaway impression and burn the entire thing down!" She screams slamming the door in Raven's face.

Raven storms down the stairs and goes outside and down th steps on the front porch. She lights a cigarette and paces. More pacing and muttering to herself. Kane walks outside, he notices the lighter sittign there on one of the steps. He walks past it, "you alright?" He asks. "No I am not! There is soemthign going on with that girl...I know it. What happened to my innocent little girl. She is short tempered and just plain mean when she wants to be. I am afraid something bad is gonna happen. "I am sure everything will be fine, she is just a teenager. " Raven looks at him her green eyes scannign him suspiciously. "What do you know?" She asks. Kane looks away from her, never been able to lie to her. "Nothing." He replies. "Liar! You know something...now tell me." She demands.

"She's cutting herself. I don't know what that is supposed to mean, but she is doing it. Her arms are covered in scars and scabs. That girl is very angry about something." He says.

"She is what! How long have you known?"

"I just found out." He replies.

"You should have told me!" Raven yells and then walks back into the house. She takes the stairs by 2's and gets to Angel's door. She tries to open but it is locked. She raises her boot clad foot and kicks it down. Angel sits on her bed with a bottle of Tequila to her lips. She almost drops it on the floor from the sudden noise and the sight of her pissed off mother. her heart jumps into her throat as she just realised she went way to far this time."

"Mark! Kane! Adam! get your asses in here now!" Raven screams. Her brothers and husband come running to see what she is screaming about. "Is that my Tequila?" Mark asks. "Well, she got it from somewhere, looks like you need to find a better hiding spot." Raven replies.

"Angel, what do you think you are doing?"

Angel looks at her father and starts to laugh. You are even more pathetic than Uncle crispy over there. Yeah, Kane I heard you tell her...you just couldn't wait could ya. Adam, you run around doing everything she says, Raven is a control freak! She has to have supreme control of everything...remind ya of anyone?" She yells. Kane looks at her as if he were shooting daggers from his eyes. "Your mother loves you." He says. "She doesn't either! She loves her son...not her disappointment of a daughter. Not her daughter who thought she was knocked up! She hates me and she always has and always will." She screams through tears and slurred speech.

Raven walks into the room and pulls up her sleeves, "Look at this! She is cutting herself!" Raven says through her anger and worry. Angel looks up at Mark, he shakes his head, "Yes, Uncle Taker I am weak! Maybe I should be buried or whatever!" She says. "It's Mark, and do not take that tone with me! You are a selfish little girl who is putting her family through hell because she isn't the center of attention. Maybe that is me and Kane's fault. We spoiled ya so much when ya was little. But, there is no reason to act the way you are, there is no reason to be hurting yourself. And I can't beleive you would steal from me." He says calmly.

"I don't know what to say to you, Angel. But this has got to stop." Adam says.

Taker walks in and takes the bottle from her, "That is mine. And you have no business drinking." He says walking away.

Angel sits there on her bed, her body trembles from anger. Raven comes back with Jessie. "Angel get int he bathrrom and strip to your underwear." Raven demands.

"No!"

"You will, now do it or I will do it for you."

Angel finally gets up from her bed and walks into the bathroom. She stands before her mother and her aunt. "She has really done some damage." Jessie says. "Angel, honey please you gotta stop doing this." Jessie says calmly watching her neice suddenly break down.

Angel sits out in the yard, enjoying the sunshine and feel of the cool grass on her legs. She sees shadows approaching her. "Angel we wanna talk to you." Tabitha says. Angel turns to look at her cousin, "Sure, Tabby." "I want you to apologize to my father. What you called him was not right. That was mean and just disrespectful." She demands. "I want you to apologize to my father also. What ever is wrong with you, you need to just get over it." "Maybe your fathers should remember who their children are. Maybe they should just butt out of my life for once." "Daddy, gets into your life because obviously you need it. We don't give our parents grief over every little thing. Who do as we are told and we follow the rules." Tiffany says. Angel stands and looks them both in the eye, "I am telling you this just once, mind your own business." Angel growls. "You think you are the only one with a Calaway temper?" Tabitha says with a smirk.

Tabitha and Tiffany walk away, "That's right, you just walk away. Go hide inside the house. You both are weak just like your father and uncle. Kane is a burnt pathetic shell of a man. If it wasn't for my mother he would be locked up in a nut house. The most pathetic part is that your father is the cause of it all! So go be proud of your fathers." Angel screams at the top of her lungs.

Both Tiffany and Tabitha look at each other and nod their heads. They run at Angel taking her down with a double clothesline. "Don't hurt her, just make her pay." Tiffany says. "It wasn't your father that she called a burnt freak...what was it you called him...Uncle Crispy." Tabitha says with a smirk lookign down at Angel.

Angel gets up, her temper full of rage. Angel balls up a fist and clocks Tiffany in the head, knocking her back a little. "I don't think so." Tiffany says as she shoves Angel to the ground. Both Tiffany and Tabitha are on the ground pounding Angel. They stop and just look at her, "Now you will apologize to our fathers." Tabitha demands. "Alright! Just get the hell off me!" Angel yells.

The girls let her up and follow her inside the house. "What are you my shadow today or something?" "You are gonna do as you said you would." Angel rolls her eyes, "What right now?" Tabby and Tiffy both nod their heads, "Yes, right now." Angel sneers at them, "I will tell them I am sorry, bu not with you standign there. I will do it privately." Angel says. "Fine, but if we find out you didn't. Well I guess your mother might like to know what you do in the basement. I would hate for her to find out where you hide your stash. And exactly how much of Daddy's booze you been drinking." Tiffy says.

Angel turns on them, "Just remember the two of you aren't perfect either." She says walking off.

She finds Taker in the kitchen enjoying a bottle of water after his workout. "Uncle, I need to talk to you." She says quietly.

"What do you want?" He replies coldly.

"Uncle Taker, I am sorry."

"What are you sorry for Darlin'."

"I am sorry that I stole your booze. I am also sorry for showing you such disrespect." She says lowering her head.

"I am not sure I believe you. I think maybe you were put up to it. Maybe you just don't want me mad at you."

"I mean it, Uncle Mark. I am really sorry. I am not perfect you know."

"Yes, I know you are not perfect, nobody is." He says studying her face. "What happened to you?" he asks lifting an eyebrow. "I ran into my cousins, they showed me the error of my ways."

"You know everyone loves you, don't you? Even your mean old Uncle Taker." he says cracking a smile.

"Do you know where Uncle Kane is?"

"Probably up in his room, he aint left it since last night. You really hurt him with your comments."

"I just got mad, and the words flowed out of my mouth. I couldn't stop once I got going."

"There is something goin' on with you, we are your family we all wanna help you through it." He says.

"Thank you for listening to me." She says holding back tears as she throws her arms around her rather sweaty uncle. He hugs her back, "I love you, Uncle Taker." She whispers in his ear. "I love ya too, Darlin'." he replies letting her go.

Angel walsk into the living room and finds both her parents sitting there watching tv. Sh stands in front of them "Momma, Daddy can I talk to you?" She asks meekly. Always having secretly feared her mother's temper. "Sit down then." Raven says. "Well, what is it? Come to insult us more?" Adam says. "No, Daddy. I came to say I am sorry for the way I have been acting. I should have never treated you or Momma that way. I am very sorry, please forgive me." She says tears, spilling out of her eyes and down her pale cheeks. Raven and Adam both look at her, Adam gets closer to her and take shis daughter in his arms. "I forgive you, honey. But some things gotta change around here." He says. "Sure Daddy, anything you say." She replies wiping her eyes as he lets go of her. Angel looks at her Mother, her green eyes still narrowed, her look sosftens as she sees her daughter is being sincere. "Momma, please forgive me. You don't know how much it hurts to see you looking at me like that." She says sobbing. "I forgive you, and I love you very much." She says. "I love you too, Momma." She replies. "And I love you too, even though you are a pain in the ass for a sister." Angl turns to see her twin brother. She throws her arms around him and just cries. "Help me, Adam." She pleads. Adam stands there, and then lets go of his sister and looks at her like she is insane, then smiles. "Sure, what are brothers for?" he says.

"Angel, your uncle is in his room." Raven says. "I am scared to face him. I can't believe what I said to him." She replies.

"He won't hurt you, and he would appriciate it."

Angel walks up the stairs and knocks on Kane's door. She doesn't hear anything, she knocks again. "Uncle Kane can I come in." She says.

"Yeah." She hears faintly.

She slowly opens the door and finds Kane sitting on the floor the shards of a broke mirror on the floor. Her heart rate quickens at the sight of the broken glass. "Are you alright?" She asks. "No, I am not ok. I am a burnt freak, I am a hideous monster." He says slowly. "Uncle Kane, you are not. You are one of the best men I know. I am so sorry. This is all my fault. Please remember who you are." Angel pleads.

"No, honey this isn't your fault." He replies after a long pause.

"Please forgive me, I should have never said those horrible things. I didn't mean it." She says tears rolling down her cheeks.

Kane sleeps fitfully, his legs tangled in the sheet as his body is covered in sweat. He relives the memory of that fateful day of his childhood. "I gotta get Raven." He mumbles as he tosses and turns. He sits straight up in bed, "Raven!" He calls loudly.

Lita is awake by now, she tries to soothe him without luck. He swats her away from him, "Get away. I have to get my sister." He growls. Lita looks at him and realizes he is still asleep. "Kane your sister is fine, she is sleeping in her room. You are fine, baby it's just a bad dream." She says refusing to leave his side.

Kane begins waking up, he looks at his wife, "Did I hurt you?" He asks peering at her through the moonlit room. "No, baby. I am fine." She says as the door opens, "Everything ok in here?" "Yeah, Raven. He is fine." Lita replies. "If you need me you know where I am." She says turning to walk away. "Raven, can you come in here please?" Kane says stopping her. She walks inside and sits down on the edge of the bed. "It's been awhile since we had to do this." She says. "Yes, I know. I don't want you to tell anyone else in the family about this. I don't want the kids to know." He says. "I promise I won't say a word to anyone." She says making eye contact with her twin. "Good night. And remember your dreams can't hurt you if you don't let them." She says getting up to walk to the door. Kane and Lita watch her leave and then shut the door. "I am scared. I can't take that part of my life coming back. I don't wanna be angry and frightened all the time." He says. Lita looks at him lovingly, "What happened?" Kane looks at her and then looks away. "Angel was mouthing off, I know she didn't mean to say it." He replies staring into space. "What did she say?" Kane just sits there not sayign anythign just staring off into space. His mind deep in thought of old painful memories. "Kane, honey what did she say? She asks again. "She mentioned Mark settign the house on fire, she called me Uncle Crispy. I know she was just being difficult. Then later she told Tiffy and Tabby that I was pathetic and if it wasn't for Raven I would be locked away, and then blamed Mark for everything." He says slowly. "I doubt she didn't mean anything by it. Raven has had trouble with her for quite some time now. Seems she inherited more of that Calaway blood than we all suspected. I see all three of you in that girl, and whether you see it or not, she is a lot like you." Lita says stroking her husband's long wavy hair.

Kane lays down, and pulls Lita to him. She gets comfortable settling her head on his chest and listens to his heart beat. He puts his arms around her and they fall back to sleep.

The house is awakened by the smells of food. Kane and Mark race each other towards the smell. As they run down the stairs the entire house shakes. They get near the kitchen, "You better make us a big plate, Raven." Kane says. "Momma is still sleeping, well she was until you two woke up the planet." Angel says sweetly setting down two plates. Each containing fried eggs, a large slice of ham, of course fried. A steaming pile of bacon, and huge steaming cups of coffee with their favorite ingredient...Jack Daniels. She smiles as her Uncles look like children on Christmas morning. "I know how to get to their hearts, feed em all the stuff Momma won't let them have." She thinks in her head as she watches them devour their gift. Angel walks over to the table and sits down with her normal sized breakfast.

"This is really good." Kane says.

"And you cooked it our favorite way...fried." Mark says.

"I am glad you like it, and thank you." She says smiling knowing she almost has them hooked.

"This is my peace offering, you guys know I can't stand it when you are mad at me."

"You are forgiven, Darlin'."

"Thank you, Uncle Taker." She says then looks to Kane, "How about you Uncle Kane? Will you find it in your big heart to forgive your neice?" She asks. Kane flips his hair ad tilts his head at her. "Of course, I forgive you." He says.

"Why do you insist on callin' me Taker?"

"Because when I was a little girl Momma used to tell me a story, about a brave knight. His name was Taker. When I was a little older and saw some of your old tapes, she said there he is, your brave knight. So I call you that because you are one of my biggest heroes, even keeping the boogey man away if only in my dreams. You both are my biggest heroes and I could never live with myself if I knew you were the slightest disappointed in me." She says, tears sliding down her cheeks.

"Come one we will help you clean up, your Momma will have a major fit if she comes down here to a mess." Mark says causing Angel and Kane to giggle slightly.

"Momma's fits are legendary." She says grinning.

All three of them load the dishwasher and clean off counters and such.

"Uncle Taker, would you teach me to wrestle?" She suddenly asks.

"I think you better talk with your parents about that. Yer Dad was a great wrestler too." He replies.

"But if it was alright with them, would the both of you teach me? I know you are teaching Adam."

"How did you find out? He wasn't supposed to say anything."

"Duh, we are twins."

"The way you two fight anyone would think you were mortal enemies." Kane replies.

"Remind you of anyone?" Mark says grinning.

"Yeah, You and Raven. But you aint twins, I think it is just a brother sister thing. You know he would protect you no matter the cost."

"I know he would, and I would do the same for him. We are closer than you think. He just has that dominant Calaway trait...you know quiet anger." She says.

"I think all of us have that." Kane says.

A few weeks pass quietly, Angel seems to be getting along with everyone the incidents of a few weeks time seem to have been forgotten. Well, maybe not completely forgotten.


"When is she supposed to be home?" Adam asks.

"The usual, midnight." Raven replies.

"I hope Tony behaves himself, I think something is going on."

"What do you mean?" Raven asks finally turn to scan her son's face.

"I dunno, Momma. She just acts strange when he is around...like she is afraid of him." He replies.

Raven can feel her body become rigid, a memory playing in her head. She exhales and tucks away the remembrance of such a dark time of her life. "Afraid of what? Tony seems like a nice boy." She says trying to not think the worst.

"I know he does drugs, I know he drinks too. Could be why her behavior changed so much."

"Do you think he might be hurting her?"

"I don't know, but if he is I feel real sorry for him. There aint nobody that is gonna hurt my sister." He says almost defiantly.

"Let's not jump to conclusions, keep an eye on her. Please do not say anything to your uncles or your father. As musch as they wanna help and protect her, I am afraid they would flip out." She says exhaling all the while thinking. The images of her brother and husband causing this boy intense pain and injury at what their imaginations are coming up with.

They see headlights in the front, Adam gets up to look outside. He keeps watchign discreetly as Angel leans over to the driver seat and kisses her date goodnight. But as Angel breaks the kiss, Tony grabs her face and says something very close to her face.

"Next time, I suggest that you do your duty as a good girlfriend, I shouldn't have to make you obey me." He growls in her face and then lets her go.

"He grabbed her face and then said something." Adam says turning from the window and walks back over to the couch. "Calm down or she will know you were spying." "I want to be a good brother, Momma." He says looking at her his green eyes pleading for understanding. "You are." She says patting his leg and going back to her reading.

The door opens and Angel walks in. she sees her mother and brother sitting there. "Hi, whats going on?" She aks. "Nothing much. How was your date?" Raven asks. Angel smiles, "Oh it was ok." She says, not really sure if she can contain her heart thumping against her chest. She hated lying to her mother.

"Wll, good night." She says heading for the stairs.

"You see the deer caught in the headlights look?" Raven asks after Angel had gotten to the top of the stairs. "Yeah, I did. She is afraid of something." Adam says feelign his anger, but more than that his determination to protect his sister growing. "I knew he wasn't good for her at the start. I gave him a chance. For his sake...I hope that the rest of the family nevr finds out." He continues.

Angel quietly sneaks ot of her room and tip toes down the hallway to her brother's room. She knocks softly, and then walks in. She finds him in his bed fast asleep. "Adam...wake up." She says quietly as she gently shakes him awake then backs up. "Adam come on, please get up." She says shaking him again. He opens his eyes and rubs the sleep from them. He focuses on her face, her red hair shining from the moonlight coming through the windows. He sits up and pats the space next to him. She sits next to him, "I need to talk to you. I have a problem and I don't know what to do." She confides in her twin. "What's wrong, sis?" He asks having an idea what is wrong.

Angel just sits there, he can see her hands trembling. Turning on a small lamp he watches her for a moment.

"I will make this easier on you, are you and Tony having a problem?" He asks, all the while his blood boils at the thought of anyone hurting his sister. But the healing scabs on her arms and legs prove somethign is bothering her.

"He hurts me, Adam."

"What do you mean? Does he hit you or something?"

Angel just sits there, tears falling down her cheeks. "If you want me to help you, you have to tell me what is wrong." He says trying to remain calm.

"Please, you gotta promise me you won't tell anyone. Not even Momma or Daddy. I can't take their disappointed looks anymore."

"Angel, I can't promise you that. If he is hurting you, you gotta let us know. All we wanna do is protect you. But I won't go running to tell them." He replies trying to reassure.

"You know when I thought I was pregnant?"

"Yeah."

"He raped me. He has been raping me everytime we go out." She admits only a portion of what the boy has been doing. She watches her brother's expression change. "Adam please don't get mad at me." She says trying to hold more tears back. He looks at her, his expression softens. "I am not mad at you, this is not your fault. What else is he doing?"

Angel exhales loudly, "He makes me do drugs, look." She replies slowly pulling up her sleeve and putting her arm in the light so he can see. "Are those track marks? I am gonna kill that bastard." He growls.

"The first time he raped, he got me drunk. I think he put soemthing in the drink. I passed out and when I woke up he was on top of me. The pain of it all woke me up. Adam it was my first time!" She says now crying, and holding her face in her hands.

"Angel, Momma needs to know. it will go easier if she knows than our uncles. I know how hard this was to talk to me about. I think tomarrow we should talk to her together. I might not be much, but I am your brother and I do love you." He says.

Angel just looks at him partly scared of talking to her mother about this, but also astonished at the emotion her brother is showing. "I love you too, thank you for listening to me." She says getting up and walking to the door. "When you are ready to talk more, I am here for you." He says before she leaves the room.

Angel walks back to her room, she shuts the door when she gets in there. She walks to the bathroom and opens a drawer. Looking down inside at all of her new blades and bandages. "No more! I won't do this anymore." She says pulling the drawer out and emptying it's contents into the garbage. Next she walks back into her room and opens the closet door. She takes out a box that contains a bottle of Tequila. She closes the door and walks out of her room. Going down the stairs she finds the basement door, she opens the door and goes down another set of stairs. She grins as she finds a small room, she opens the door and walks in. To her dismay she finds her Uncle in there. He downs a shot and turns. His green eyes narrow at the sight if her. "Before you get upset, I am returning this to you. I took it earlier, I am sorry." She says meekly. Taker looks at her, "You look like you need to talk." he says. "I am ok, Uncle Taker. I just didn't want to disappoint you farther. I know that I am a disappointment to the whole family, I am sorry." She says and then runs from the room. He just looks out the doorway, "Teenagers." He mutters.

The next morning Angel walks into her mother's room. She finds Raven sittign up in bed, watching the news. "Momma can I talk to you?" She asks. Raven looks at her, "Sure, honey. You can talk to me about anything." She says remembering her talk she had with Adam last night. "I have to get Adam, I can't do this by myself." She says as she leaves.

A few moments later she drags her half awake twin with her.

"Momma, I talked to Adam last night, I told him what is going on with me."

Just them her father walks in the door, "Daddy sit down I need to talk to you too." She says as she sees him.

Angel exhales and feels the tears burning her eyes, she does her best to hold them back but fails. She just sits there and cries. "Angel, honey. Whatever it is, I am sure everything will be fine." Angel wipes her eyes and sniffles a bit, she takes hte tissue her mother hands her. "No, Daddy. Everything won't be fine." She says.

"Ok, here it is. Tony has been raping me, he drugged me the first time. He makes me get drunk, he says I will like it more that way. He even forced me to take drugs...Heroin Momma he shot heroin into my arm. I didn't want to do it...but he made me. He even hits me...everytime we go out its always the same thing. I am sorry if you all hate me now. Daddy I am sorry that I can't be your little girl anymore and that you can't be proud of me any longer." She sobs.

Raven and Adam look at each other. And the just hug their daughter. "You will always be my little girl. No matter what happens. I will always be proud of you." Adam says his brown eyes meeting with her green ones.

"Momma are you angry with me? He said if you found out that everyone would hate me."

Raven's green eyes meet her daughter's, tears threatening to spill from them, "I can never hate you, and none of this is your fault." She says.

"I don't want anyone else to know, not yet anyway. Uncle Taker and Uncle Kane will kill him." She says.

"Honey, we have to call the police. They need to arrest him." Raven says.

"No, Momma! That can't happen." She says rather defiantly.

"We have to, he belongs in jail." She says noticing that her son has left the room and the sounds of one of Taker's bikes throws gravel all over the driveway.

She gets up and looks out the window, "Oh shit. My brother is gonna have a fit." Raven says as she races down the stairs.

"Raven call the cops!"

"What in the hell are you yelling about?" She says almost laughing.

"Somebody stole one of my bikes!" He says exasperated.

"No, your nephew took it." She replies.

"He knows better."

"He had something to deal with in town. Don't worry your precious bike will be fine, you taught him how to ride very well." Raven says.

Soon enough the roar of a Harley Davidson motor alerts them of Adam's return. He staggers into the house. He has a black eye, a busted lip, and his clothes are ripped and dirty. He tosses the keys to his uncle. "Didn't put one scatch on her, Uncle Mark. I am sorry but I had to deal with something." He says walking into the kitchen and getting a bottle of water. He drinks the whole thing down and is greeted by his mother. "I trust he looks worse." She says as she begins cleaning the blood from his face. "Yes, Momma. I don't think he will come near my sister again." He says proudly. "You know Angel is gonna be upset you beat him up again." She replies.

"I know, but it was worth it." He replies smiling. Raven grins, "You know you look just like your father when you smile." She says proudly.

"I only hope to be half the man he is." Adam replies.


They are interupted by the sounds of a key being dropped on the counter. "I am sorry, for taking your bike." He says, almost afraid of what his uncle will say. "You said that already. Why didn't you ask first?"

"I didn't have time, I had to deal with something, I can't tell you what just please trust me." He says looking his uncle in the eye.

Angel walks into the room, her eyes red and swollen from crying. "What is wrong with everyone?" Mark asks as h waslk over ot his neice and pulls up her long sleeves and examines her arms. "I wasn't cutting myself!" She growls at him and pulls her sleeves down and runs from the room tears spilling from her eyes again. She walks outside and heads to the barn.

She finds her horse in his stall and puts on his bridle and leads him out into isle of the barn. She finds his saddle and puts it on his back. Tightening the leather latigo she leads him out to the pasture. She puts her foot in one sturrip and swings her other leg over the solid black percherons back.

She puts her heels to him and he takes off running. She lays the single gaming reign over his withers and holds her arms straight out. Always loving the feeling of flying as he runs. She can fel his large muscles ripple benath her as he slows down at the sight of the fence. She picks up the reign and urges him faster again, he picks up his front feet and easily jumps over the fence. her and her horse just run as fast as they can through the open feilds.

"What is wrong with Angel?" Mark asks confronting his sister. "Just don't worry about it. She is going through a rough patch right now. The fact that you don't trust her is hurting her." She replies.

"Well, if you must know, she came to the basement last night. She thought she would sneek down to the little storage room down there and return another bottle of booze she stole from me." He says.

"Had it ben opened?" Raven asks.

"No."

"Then what are you bitchin' about? You ever think that maybe there might be a bigger problem? Not everything is about you." Raven growls leaving her brother's sight. She runs into Kane. "Whoa, what's wrong?" He says. "Your brother! That's what is wrong!" She yells as she makes her way out the door.

She gets into her truck and throws gravel everywhere as she leaves.

Several hours later Raven stumbles outside. She is greeted by the darkness of the night. The parking lot full of bikers.

"Hey honey...you need a ride?" On of them says. Raven turns her temper already in her throat. She staggers over to him and pulls back her fist. She connects with his face and he stumbles back a bit. Suddenly she hears footsteps in the gravel parking lot. She turns both her fists balled up and ready to fight. She throws one right into the chest of her older brother. He stands there and lets her hit him, thinking it's him she is mad at. She finally stops, and falls to the ground. He bends down and helps her up. "Come on let's go home." He says leading her back to her truck. "You got keys." He says. She pulls them from her pocket on hands them to him.

"You wanna tell me why your little family is so upset. Your son went off on me, telling me I should be nicer to you. Angel rode her horse till he was foaming with sweat, she was in her room crying when I left the house." he says.

"Mark, I can't tell you. You just gotta trust me, brudder." She slurs.

"Where is your bike?"

"In the back of the truck." He replies.

***The next day***

Raven is awoken by smells of food, she gets out bed and walks down stairs in her lounge pants and an old Edge t-shirt. She walks through the kitchen, stopping at the fridge to get a coke, and then outside to light her cigarette. Holding her head, she walks back inside and grabs a bottle of aspirin. She takes out four of them and pops them into her mouth. She swallows them and looks around. "What is everyone staring at?" She says glaring at everyone, and then walking back outside to finish her cigarette.

She hears the door open, and looks up to see her husband. he sits next to her. "Don't worry about them. They are just jealous of the vintage Edge shirt your wearing." He says putting his arm around her. Raven kinda laughs a little. "Do you ever miss it?" She asks watching the rest of their family eating or rather tryign to protect their breakfasts from her brothers. "Sometimes, but then I look at my beautiful wife, my unusually strong willed son, and my lovely daughter. Retirement was worth it." He says. "You don't regret getting mixed up with us?" She asks grinding out her smoke and drinking the last drop of her coke. "No, baby. Not in a million years. Your brothers would give up theirs lives to protect you, to protect our children, even their own. We made beautiful kids, just look at them. Angel got your eyes and your red hair. And JR. got my good looks." He says trying to cheer up his wife.

A few moments go by silently. " I miss it sometimes. The excitemement of the crowds. I used to love to watch my brothers in the ring. I would have never thought then that I would have all this. I never thought that I would have my family back. I only wanted to find Kane and get my revenge on Mark. So much pain the three of us had bottled up. I never dreamed we would be a happy family, raising the next generation together." She says.

"Your brothers love you, Mark has spoken to me in great length about the past. You have no idea how he regrets what he did. He told me that is why he is so protective of Angel. She reminds him so much of you, and because of him horrible things happened to you. He tries to make up for his lack of being a good brother in his attention to Angel."

"He is a great brother. I go off on a bender last night and he shows up, and brings me home. He stood there and let me beat on him and then just drove me home. he is the strongest man I know and I have a lot of respect for him...more than he will ever know." She says gettign up and looking in on her kitchen now deserted and left a mess. "Looks like a tornado hit it." She says walking inside and starting to clean up the mess."

"Aunt Raven, Let us clean it up."

"It's alright, Tiffy." She says.

"We made the mess, we will clean it." She says. Raven looks at her neice and smiles, "Alright, then." She replies getting another coke and popping the top and takes a drink. "You kids taking your annual end of school camping trip?" She asks. "Yeah, as far as I know. Daddy says he is gonna drive us out there." She replies. "When is that happening? Adam or Raven haven't said a word about it." She says. "We are going tomarrow, I think." "Well, have fun." Raven says smiling at her neice. Soon, Tiffany's brother Jameson walks in followed by Vince and Tabitha, Last is Angel and Adam. Raven just watches them as they are almost grown, cleaning up smiling as the girls tell the boys what to do.

"James, you gotta rinse the dishes first." Tiffany says. he glares at his sister and then rinses the dishes.

"Adam, get that garbage taken out, and Vince wash down the counters." Angel says.

The girls all stand aruond while watching their siblings and cousins all do the work.

"See, Momma boys are good for soemthing." Angel says as she smiles. Raven grins as she can see both her brothers in her daughter's face. "That's the way to get it done, girls." She replies as she walks away hearing her son, and nephews protesting.

Angel bounces down the stairs with her sleeping bag and backpack over her shoulder. She gets to the bottom of the stairs, and see's her mother.

Raven turns, "You ready to go camping?" She asks with a smile.

"Yeah, I can't wait." She replies happily as she sets her stuff down.

Show me your arms." Raven demands sternly.

Angel rolls her eyes and pulls up her sleeves. Raven inspects one arm and then the other. Angel stands there trying to hold back tears burning the back of her eyes. "I am not cutting myself, Momma." She says almost crying. Raven watches her as a tear escapes and runs down her pale cheek.

"I just wanna make sure." Raven replies, exhaling worry fillign her mind. Angel just glares at her mother tears now running freely from her eyes.

Adam make sit down the stairs, he sets his own sleeping bag and backpack down near Angel's. Tiffany, Tabith, Jameson, and Vince follow behind him.

"Who is taking us out there?" Vince asks.

"My father I believe." Adam says watching his twin closely.

"Alright, you kids ready to go?" Adam Sr. says.

"Yes, finally." Angel replies picking up her sleeping bag and backpack, never taking her eyes off her mother before walking out the door and to the truck. She tosses her things into the back and climbs in the cab and shuts the door.

"Do you always have to start things with her? No wonder the girl is so stressed out." Adam says glaring at his wife. Her green eyes take on a dark hue as her anger boils to a new level.

"I didn't do anything that any mother wouldn't do. Of course it's wrong...of course little raven can't do anythign right huh?" She screams before walking off.

"Go on to the truck, boys. I will be there in a few minutes."

"Dad, just leave her alone...you know how she gets." Adam says.

"Just go to the truck, make sure your sister is alright." He says before walking in the direction Raven went. The walk out of the house just as a door is heard slamming.

"Glad we are gonna be at the cabin, tonight." Tiffany says.

Adam just gives her a dangerous look and then walks to the truck.

****The Basement****

"Raven Damn it! Why do you do this? You favor Adam so obviously in front of her, and then you are extra hard on her. Anytime I stand up for her, you pull this poor little Raven crap!"

Raven glares at him and then walks into another room, she reaches into a box and pulls out a pint of tequila. She opens it and takes a drink. She carries the bottle with her into another room. She walks inside, with Adam close behind her. She takes another big drink and then gets into the ring.

"Come on Adam! Come on in her and say what you really want! I know you hate me...I know the only reason we are still together is because my brother's threatened you...that is you ever hurt me they would kill you!" She screams.

"No, this is stupid! Go get drunk...it's what you do best! Maybe then you can figure out why you hate your only daughter so much." He says turning around to leave.

Raven stands on the middle rope and leans out and grabs a chunk of his long blonde hair and yanks him back. He falls onto the ring apron and breaks her grip.

"Drop it, Raven. The kids are waiting for me they look forward to this trip all year...and you will not ruin it." He replies trying to keep his temper in check. He gets up and walks out of the room.

"You are just scared...You know that my brothers will kick your ass if you lay one hand on me!" She screams getting out of the ring and picks up the bottle and takes another big drink from it.

Adam storms up the stairs and flings open the door, nearly hitting Kane. He looks at Adam tilting his head. "What were you doign to my sister?" He asks angrily. "Me? I didn't do shit to your psycho sister! Why don't you ask her why she is treating her daughter like shit!" He growls back.

Kane stands there, he clenches his fist trying to hold his temper. "You better not have hurt her." He grumbles opening the door and taking the stairs two at a time.

"The only one getting hurt is my daughter!" He grumbles walking towards the door.

****Outside****

"Don't worry about her, she is only worried about you." Tiffany says.

"I don't know why she hates me so much."

"She hates everything, I doubt it's anything personal. Tiffany says.

They look up and see Adam walkign towards the truck. Angel remains inside the cab as everyone else climbs into the back and getting comfortable. Adam gets inside, he smiles at his daughter and then puts the key in the ignition and turns it starting the engine.

"It's ok, Daddy. I know you and Momma were fighting...I know it was about me. Atleast you love me." Angel says.

"Your Momma loves you too. So do your uncles, and all we want is for you to be safe and happy."

"She hates me, if she loves anyone it's Uncle Kane and Adam." She replies.

"Everything will be fine, when you kids get back from your trip." He says patting her on the shoulder and driving down the long driveway.

Angel silently stares aout the window as tears fall from her eyes. All she can think about is how worthless she feels, how much of a disappointment she must be to her mother.

Kane walks into the basement, Finding Raven hitting a punching bag hanging from a thick chain from the ceiling. He looks over at a small table and sees a half drank bottle of booze. He shake shis head and loosk at his sister worried. He walks over and picks up the bottle and takes a drink. Raven stops punching to catch her breathe. "Leave me alone. And leave my bottle alone, you want some...get your own!" She growls still angry with her husband. She walks over and grabs the bottle from his hand and takes a big drink and then chokes down the amber fluid. Kane grabs her by the shoulders, he loosk into her green eyes. "Raven you need help, I am worried about you." He says his voice full of concern.

"What do you care?" She replies coldly wriggling from his grasp and taking another drink finishing off the bottle. She tosses it smashing it against the wall before turning to face her brother again. "You don't give a shit about me...none of you do." She yells her eyes full of rage.

"Everyone cares about you, everyone in this house loves you." He replies calmly trying to hold his temper in.

"Not everyone...my husband doesn't. My children can't stand me. Your daughter refers to me as her psycho aunt."

"Your children love you, they respect you...hell they fear you. Your husband adores you." He replies.

"That is why Angel cuts herself, she drinks, she smokes, she has done drugs. Adam can't stay out of trouble in school. He is always fighting. My husband can't stand me. The only reason he is still here is he is afraid you and Mark will kill him if he hurts me." She screams, her voice still full of rage.

"Angel is fine, and don't blame her for what that boy did to her. That punk was raping your daughter on a weekly basis. He was putting drugs in her, he drove her drink and cut herself. She couldn't go to you...she was too scared to do so. Adam hasn't been in a fight at school since he transfered, the only reason he got into fights was to protect his sister. Stop being so damned selfish, Raven!" Kane growls showing his temper.

"Selfish? I am selfish? Don't even tell me how selfish I am, compared to you. Poor delicate Kane. Can't do this or do that around poor little Kane...he might freak out. Atleast I am strong...Maybe that is why I escaped the fire with no injuries. Maybe Mark didn't want me to be hurt...because I am stronger than you. You have always been an attention whore...now this way you get to tell everyone that Raven is a drunk, then you get all the attention and you get to feel important because you think you somehow saved me. You are pathetic!" She screasm pullign her fist back and slugging him in the head.

"You wanna fight? Is that what you want...somebody to fight with? Fine, get in the ring." He growls back at her his body trembling with anger.

Raven smiles, her green eyes darkening. "Love to, Brother." She says sweetly as she turns to walks into the room with the ring and climbs through the ropes. She bounces inside the ring, waiting for Kane. He steps through the ropes and Raven charges at him. She drives her shoulder into his ribs knocking him back. She gets him in the corner and starts pummeling him. First punching him in the face, his eye beginning to swell, she clocks him right in the nose, hearing a snap she sees blood trickling out. Raven stops, when she realizes that Kane isn't fighting back or defending himself.

"Come on, you never used to be a fraid to hit a girl. Mark is gonna think you are a pussy if I beat your ass." She says taunting him.

Kane gets up, wipes the blood from his face and smiles. He charges at her, clotheslining her to the mat. She gets up, and looks at him with her eyes full of anger. She lifts her foot and kicks him square in the balls. He drops to his knees holding himself, she grins and spinning heel kicks him knocking him down. She looks down at her twin and grins before kicking him in the ribs. She looks down at her fallen brother and smirks. She folds her arms over chest, "Just pathetic...just look at you." She says before walking off. She climbs through the ropes and steps onto the concrete floor of the basement and runs into Mark. She looks up and smiles, "Hey big brother. What's going on?" She asks innocently.

"I dunno maybe you ought to tell me why Kane is laying there like he got his ass handed to him." He replies firmly.

"He came down and he asked for it. He just couldn't leave me alone. He was looking for a fight...after what he called me." She slurs, the liquor finally hitting her.

"Got in my stash again, I see." He says.

"Yeah so, I am an adult, I can drink if I want."

"Maybe you shouldn't get drunk and be abusive to your brother when you get into a fight with your husband." He growls.

"I am not Angel...You can't just say some mean toned words to me and expect me to do whatever you want." She replies getting angry again.

Mark just rolls his eyes and walks past her, he slides into the ring and checks on Kane.

Kane finally gets to his feet, "Where did she go?" He grumbles.

"Leave her alone, let her sleep it off."

"No, not after what she said to me. I am tired of being her victim. I am tired of her goign around saying that she saved me...I will not be called pathetic or weak ever again. Besides we all know what you think of me anyway...what everyone thinks of me."

"Kane you can't take anything she says seriously when she drinks." Mark says trying to calm his younger brother down.

****The Cabin****

Angel runs into the room that she will share with her female cousins, her eyes brimming with tears. She throws herself on one of the small beds and cries hysterically. Adam follows her, he sits down next to his sister and just looks at her, not quite knowing what to do or say.

"What happened?" He asks softly.

"Momma made me pull up me sleeves, she wanted to make sure I hadn't cut myself." She sobs.

"You know she loves you, and just wants what is best."

"She has a strange way of showing it. She hates me and you know it."

"No, she doesn't."

"Then why does she look at me like I am a disappointment. After everything Tony put me through, she acts like it was my fault."

"With everything that happened to you, well it came with lasting problems. You were cutting yourself, you were drinking. She is worried about you."

"I wish sometimes she would just hug me, instead she just yells and judges. I wish she looked at me the same as she looks at you. She acts like you are perfect."

"Trust me, Momma does not think I am perfect. We have had our fights. Now come on, Momma isn't here. It's just us kids, just come on and have some fun." He says as Angel sits up.

She tries to smile, giving him a weak one. "Alright, Adam." She says and then throws her arms around him. "Thanks, Adam." She whispers into his ear.

"Don't mention it, that's what brothers are for." He replies squeezing her gently and then releasing his twin sister.

They walk out of the room together and into the main part of the cabin.

Adam brings his sister outside where the rest of the kids are starting a fire in a metal fire pit. Tabitha grins as the flames get bigger, she stands there staring at it as if she were in awe of it. Her brother looks at her, and then shakes his head. "I am glad Daddy isn't here." She says still engrossed in the dancing flames. "I think maybe you should back up a little." Angel says. "If he were here, he would be scared to death." Jameson says, then turning to sit down on one of the wooden chairs surrounding the fire pit. "I will be right back." Adam says turning to leave. Angel looks at him, her eyes pleading with him to stay there. "I will be back in just a minute." He says soothing his sister's nerves.

"Did you have another fight with your mom?"

"Yeah, she is convinced I am up to no good like usual." She replies.

"Auntie Raven is hard on you, but she does love you." Tiffy says.

"Yeah, that is what I keep hearing. I just don't see it. You are lucky your parents don't treat you like shit."

"My father has his moments when he is a bear."

"Daddy is good to me...it's just Momma. If Uncle Mark was my father I would be terrified of getting into trouble. And Aunt Jessie is very nice, I have never heard her so much as raise her voice to you or Vince." Angel says.

"That is because Daddy does all the yelling and discipline."

"Angel if ya ever need to talk or anything, my room is just down the hall." She says putting her arm around her cousin.

Adam returns from the cabin, carrying a bottle. He walks to the fire, and sits down. Angel's eyes get wide, "You brought booze?"

"Yeah, I swiped it from Uncle Mark's stash in the basement. And look what else I got." He says pulling a plastic bag from his pocket. "Where did you get that?" Vince asks. Adam grins, "I was walking in the woods, and I found a whole bunch of plants about six feet tall. I just picked this. I think Momma has plants out there that she forgot about. She used to be a big stoner when she was younger." He says grinning and pulling a pipe from his other pocket.

"No parents for two days, this is gonna be fun." Angel says pulling a lighter from her pocket and a pack of cigarettes. She pulls one out and puts it in her mouth, lighting the end. She hands the lighter to her brother as he loads the pipe. he hits it and then hands it to his sister, she does the same and hands it off to her cousin, it goes around a few times before they load again.

Tiffy takes the bottle from Adam and twists off the cap and takes a drink. She swallows and then makes a face. "I don't know how daddy can drink this crap, it tastes horrible." She mutters and then takes another drink.

The rest of the afternoon goes by until they start to get hungry.

"I am gonna go see what they stocked us up with." Angel says trying to stand up. Tiffy looks at her and laughs and then helps her to stand after she falls back on her butt a few times.

"I don't need no help." She says getting angry at her cousin laughing at her.

"Ok, fine I won't help you." Tiffy says as she turns and walks towards the house.

"Tibbany wessica cawaway...git yer big ass back here and help me." Angel says. Tiffy smiles at her cousin's perdictibily. She walks back over and grabs Angel's arm and pulls her to her feet.

"I am hungwy." She slurs as Tiffy leads her to the cabin. They walk in and look in the cupboards first. "I found dinner." Angel shouts.

"Angel I am right here. You don't have to yell." She says holding her ear.

Tiffy looks at what is in Angel's hand. "We can't have a big bag of chips for dinner." Tiffy says shaking her head and taking the bag away and putting it back in the cupboard. "We gotta feed Calaway offspring...we can't just have chips. If ya aint noticed us girls are all 6 feet tall, and them growing boys out there need to eat."

Angel starts laughing, "You sound just like Momma. Always trying feed us."

"Atleast they don't eat like my father and Uncle Kane."

"I hope nobody eats as much as those two. I wonder sometimes why they don't just explode." Angel says giggling loving to pick on her Uncles.

"Ok, here are some steaks, and stuff. Let's get the boys to make dinner." Tiffy says.

Angel smiles, "Yeah, good idea. it'a always fun to watch them lazy boys doing something once in awhile."

The girls walk outside and stand near the fire. Angel looks at Adam. "Ok, we found dinner...but you guys are cooking it. Go and get the grill going and us girls will supervise."

"Like how Dad, supervises?" Adam replies with a small grin.

"Yeah, we are gonna sit here and watch you guys work." She replies smiling broadly at her twin.

"You know, you aint gotta be so much like Momma...you and her got the bossy gene don't ya." He says grinning a little more.

"Just git over there and make us dinner. Or I will tell daddy you were mean to me...and you know how upset I am over me and Momma fighting." She says closing her eyes, willing a tear to fall for good measure.

"Oh geez, a littel dramatic don't ya think." He says and then walks to the outdoor brick grill and starts the fire inside before going to the cabin to retrieve whatever his sister wants made.

***Two Days later***

Mark walks out of the kitchen with his coffee in hand, he takes a drink and almost runs into Raven. "Sorry, Sis." He says trying not to spill thehot drink on her. She looks up and smiles, "No problem." She replies smiling. "Well, you are in a good mood." He says with a small grin from the corner of his mouth. "Yep, the kids are coming home today. I need to have a talk with Angel." She says. Mark exhales, "I hope that you are gonna apologize to her." Rven looks at him and then looks at the floor. "Yes, I over reacted and she did nothing wrong. Her and I need to come to some kind of understanding." She replies and then makes her way into the kitchen.

Mark grabs his keys and walks outside. Gettign inside his truck he turns the key and drives off down the driveway. He drives to the cabin while listening to the radio.

"Angel would you hurry up, somebody will be here soon to pick us up." Adam shouts from the living room. "Keep your damned pants on." She replies walking into ther oom joining her brother and cousins. She drops her bag on the floor next to his. "I wonder who is picking us up, I hope it's not Momma. I am not ready for her to interrogate me yet." She mutters under her breathe.

The black chevy truck pulls up to the cabin, the kids all take their things and set int he back of the truck. Tiffy walks over to the cab of the truck and smiles broadly as she sees her father. "Daddy!" She squeals. Mark gets out of the truck and accepts a hug from his daughter. "Did ya have baby girl?" He asks lettign go of her. "Yes, we had a blast." She replies. "Nobody got too drunk did they?" He says, just to see her reaction. Her eyes get as big as saucers. "What do you mean, Daddy?" She asks innocently. "You didn't think I wouldn't know that Adam has been pilfering my booze the last few years." He says winking at her. "You knew about that?" She asks surprised. "Yeah, I knew." He replies smiling. "Daddy, please don't tell auntie Raven. Angel was really upset and another fight with her mother will just make things worse." Mark smiles, "Don't worry about that, Raven doesn't know. Now get in the truck looks like everyone is ready." He says. Tiffy climbs into the back of the truck and sits next to her brother. "Uncle Mark can I ride in the front with you?" Angel asks. "Sure thing, Darlin'." He replies, feeling like she needs to talk to someone.

They drive off towards the house, Angel exhales loudly. "What's bothering you?"

"Is Momma still mad at me?" She asks a hint of sadness in her voice. "No, she actually wants to have a talk with you when you get home." He replies. "Oh great! She wants to yell at me more, and accuse me of things that I am not doing." She says almost crying. "No, Darlin' she just wants to sit down and talk. She feels like shit." He replies. Angel just looks out the window, "Well, good! She should feel bad."

"You know your Uncle Kane let her beat the shit outta him."

Angel looks at him, "Why?"

"Your Momma is hurting. Whatever happened to you a few months ago is really bothering her and she don't know how to deal with it. Raven is angry, she was born angry. She was always able to protect Kane, when they were small, and after she found him again. But she couldn't protect you...she couldn't protect you from what she went through. Your mother is a survivor and she acts more like a momma bear when someone hurts one of her cubs."

"You mean she isn't mad at me?"

"No, she never was. She doesn't know any other way to keep you safe."

"Thank you, Uncle Mark." She says smiling. He looks over at her and grins, "No problem." He says as they pull into the driveway.

Angel opens her door and climbs down from the truck. She grabs her bag and walks to the front door. The door opens before she gets there. She stops and throws her arms around her mother. "Momma I am sorry I have been so difficult lately." She says. "I am sorry too, I have been kinda hard on you." She says letting go of her daughter.

Angel walks into the house followed by her brother and cousins.

"What in hell happened to you, Daddy!" Tabby screams as she sees her father. His eye blackened, his nose broken.

"I am ok." He says hugging his daughter.

"Well, I am waiting. What happened to you?" She demands again.

"I had an accident with your aunt's fist."

"She beat you up?" She asks completely angry.

"Tabitha Raven Calaway! Do not take that tone with your father." Tabitha turns around and see her mother. "How could he just let her beat him up? I thought fighting wasn't the answer? Isn't that what all of you tell us? I guess when you are an adult fighting is ok?" Tabitha replies angrily.

"No, it isn't ok. This was between your father and Raven." Amy says.

Tabitha turns around andlooks at her aunt in the eye, "You say you love him...you saved him...and then you treat him this way. Stay away from my father!" She growls and then walks off. Amy turns to go after her, Raven grabs her arm. "Let her go, she is just angry and loves her father. I will go talk to her after she calms down." Raven says.

Two years later.

"Momma, what should I wear tomarrow for the first day of school?" Angel says.

Raven walks over to the closet and opens the doors. "I don't know, you have so many new things in here. What were you thinking."

"I was thinking my black jeans, and a t-shirt. I wanna wear my new Doc Marten's boots Uncle Kane got me."

"Sounds fine to me, are you excited for a new school year?"

"Yes, finally I am a senior. I am glad Adam will get to go to the same school again." Angel replies looking at her arms, she smiles at the sight of no scars.

"I am really sorry about my behavior a few years ago." She says.

"Don't even think about that anymore. Like I always have said blood is everything, and as long as you have your family near nothing can hurt you." Raven says putting her arm around her nearly eighteen year old daughter.

"I think I am gonna go take a ride on my horse for the afternoon." Angel says following her mother from the room.

"We are having a bbq tonight for dinner. Your Uncle Kane is doing the cooking." Raven says lifting her eyebrow.

"Are you sure you want him messing with the grill?"

"He will be fine, he has gotten a hold of his fear."

"Well at any rate I won't miss that." Angel says grinning as they walk down the stairs.

She waslk out the back door to the barn, grabbign a halter she walks out to the pasture and easily walsk up to her horse. She leads the huge animal to the barn and gets her ready to ride. Kane greets her with his own horse, "I thought we could ride together." He says swinging his legs over his percheron gelding.

"Sure, Uncle Kane. But you better be prepared to run a lot." She says cueing her horse to take off at a fast gallop. Kane follows her, his horse passing hers. She urges her horse to go faster always loving the sound the hooves make, always sounding like thunder when they run.

Angel rides to her favorite spot on their property. She stops her horse as they get a wide creek, surrounded by tall grass a large oak tree sits just near the creek's shore. She gets down from her giant steed and sits under the tree. Her horse wanders to the creek and gets a drink. Kane does the same as he arrives.

"So is this where you go?"

"yes, isn't it peaceful here?" She replies

"Yeah, it is."

"This is where I go to think, and when I am upset." She says.

"Are you upset now?" He asks his voice tainted with concern.

"No, I just wanted to relax before school starts again."

A few hours pass, Angel and Kane get back on their horses and ride home just in time for dinner to be started.

"Did you have a nice ride?" Amy asks greeting her husband at the door.

"Yes, I had a nice day with my neice." He replies walking into the kitchen and looking on the counter. He sees steaks and smiles.

he walsk outside to find his sister and brother sitting with their spouses enjoying teh nice day. He walsk over and puts charcoal into the bbq and squirts it with lighter fluid. he picks up the long bbq lighter and sets the coals on fire. He kinda jumps back a little as the flames shoot up and then they go back down.

"You ok over there, little brother?"

"Yeah, I am fine. Just startled me is all." He says turning and finds a seat next to his wife.

Angel stands in the kitchen looking out at her family her parents who would do anything for her and her brother. Her uncles who would move mountains if it would make her happy. Her cousins who were her first friends and now her best friends, her aunts who have become the people to lean on when she has a problem. She looks at her brother, who she has become to trust with her life. "Momma was right, blood is everything." She mutters to herself before going outside to join her family.

The end.